{
  "id": 10563721,
  "title": "Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder still confident that they’ll be a contender, despite roster changes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/gilgeous-alexander-thunder-still-confident-that-theyll-be-a-contender",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T00:01:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/basketball/2026/09/28/gilgeous-alexander-thunder-still-confident-that-theyll-be-a-contender-despite-roster-changes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has expressed his confidence in the Oklahoma City Thunder's chances of becoming a contender for another NBA title, despite significant roster changes. The team won the championship in 2025 but lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals the following year. Gilgeous-Alexander, who is bidding for his third consecutive MVP award, said he didn't learn anything he didn't already know during the summer but felt he improved. He emphasized that key members of the Thunder, like Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins, will always be available for support. The Thunder have added Jalen Williams, an All-Star who returned after missing most of last season due to injuries. Forward Chet Holmgren also made a significant impact, averaging career-highs of 17.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, earning All-NBA and All-Defensive honors. The team's guard, Alex Caruso, reaffirmed that the Thunder are still the same team, focusing on fitting in new pieces and maintaining their principles.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander confident in Thunder's contender status.",
    "Team added Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren to roster.",
    "Alex Caruso reaffirms team's principles and focus."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Gilgeous-Alexander's confidence in the Thunder's title chances signals continuity in the team's approach, with returning core members and added talent reinforcing their bid to regain contender status.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}